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Day 336 | Thursday, 18 February 2021
I was thinking about the Lenten journey for 2021 and wondering about the practice of “giving up something for Lent” when we have given up so much over these many months. So many sacrifices have been made this past year. Then I re-read the scripture from Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 that was assigned for Ash Wednesday. I share the translation from The Message for your reflection. There is just something about the words Eugene Peterson has used in this section that makes me stop and contemplate while at the same time bringing some chuckles to my reading. I chuckle because as I am reading through this passage, I have known some “play-actors” who want to be noticed for their theatrical performances. I imagine that occasionally God needs a good laugh. Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 The Message: 1 "Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don't make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won't be applauding. 2 "When you do something for someone else, don't call attention to yourself. You've seen them in action, I'm sure - 'play-actors' I call them - treating prayer meeting and street corner alike as a stage, acting compassionate as long as someone is watching, playing to the crowds. They get applause, true, but that's all they get. 3 When you help someone out, don't think about how it looks. 4 Just do it - quietly and unobtrusively. That is the way your God, who conceived you in love, working behind the scenes, helps you out. 5 "And when you come before God, don't turn that into a theatrical production either. All these people making a regular show out of their prayers, hoping for stardom! Do you think God sits in a box seat? 6 "Here's what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace. 16 "When you practice some appetite-denying discipline to better concentrate on God, don't make a production out of it. It might turn you into a small-time celebrity, but it won't make you a saint. 17 If you 'go into training' inwardly, act normal outwardly. Shampoo and comb your hair, brush your teeth, wash your face. 18 God doesn't require attention-getting devices. He won't overlook what you are doing; he'll reward you well. A Life of God-Worship 19 "Don't hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or - worse! - stolen by burglars. 20 Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it's safe from moth and rust and burglars. 21 It's obvious, isn't it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being. A Prayer for Lent “O God our deliverer, you led your people of old through the wilderness and brought them to the promised land. Guide now your people, that, following our Savior, we may walk through the wilderness of this world toward the glory of the world to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.” (The Lutheran Book of Worship, 1978 and The United Methodist Hymnal page 268) Today: Pray for truck drivers who are delivering the vaccine throughout the country.
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Day 335 | Wednesday, February 17, 2021
Week 48 of gathering for prayer at noon Ash Wednesday beginning: (Genesis 3:19; Psalm 51:10) “Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, from dust we were created, and to dust we shall return. From dust and ashes of our lives, create again, O Lord. Create in us clean hearts, O God, and renew your free spirit within us.” An Ash Wednesday Invocation: “On this day of ashes, we come in repentance and sorrow for all our offenses against you and others. As we dare to worship you, we seek your forgiveness that our sins may be removed, and our spirits made clean and whole. Purify us and enable us to walk in joy and gladness once again. All of this we ask in the name of the One who came to deliver us from sin and death. Amen.” An Ash Wednesday Prayer of Confession: “Great and merciful God: You created us in your divine image, but we would rather make you over in our image, expecting and demanding far less of ourselves. At the opening of this season of penitence, we pray for courage and honesty, that our self-examination may be searching and specific rather than safely general. Save us, holy creator, from being satisfied with feeling sorry for the evil we have done - or condoned or ignored - and for the good we have failed to do. Move us rather to explore what we can do to make amends: to undo harm we may have caused; to make up for whatever good we have left undone. May the Ashes, symbol of penitence, remind us of the cost of true penitence - and nerve us to pay it. In the name of him who, though subject to all our temptations, was alone without sin, Jesus Christ, our compassionate Lord. Amen” An Ash Wednesday Prayer “On this dark day, may we have just enough light to carry on. On this opening into the time of Lent, may we know just enough hope to do the hard things we need to do. May we leave this day ready to be refined by the power that leads inevitably to the light of Easter morn. Amen.” Another Ash Wednesday Prayer “It's an icy day, a cold day, a mean day, even though in some places the sun is shining, and the sky is clear. We know that 40 days from now, Lent will end in resurrection. But now we know the ice. Now we know the cold. We know what it means to look straight at our death, and the death of Jesus, and to be filled with fear. “We are already acquainted with grief. Let us not ignore the fact of loss in our lives and in many lives. Let us sing the ironic song of children, "Ashes, ashes, we all fall down," and let us mean it. Let us not be afraid of the cold things about life. “And bring us, in your own good time, back to the certain warmth of your anticipated resurrection. For now, though, stay near. Let us know your presence in the fact of our death, your Son's death and the deaths of those we love. Make us less afraid. Open us to grief so that we may be emptied for joy. “In the name of Jesus, who knows what it means to be betrayed. Amen.” For additional devotional reading, the assigned Scriptures for Ash Wednesday are, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17; Psalm 51:1-17; 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 and Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21. Today: Prayers for all those dealing with the latest winter storms. Day 333 | Monday, 15 February 2021
Given our schedule today I did another hymn which is the favorite of Dodie Erickson. I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry John Ylvisaker “I was there to hear your borning cry, I'll be there when you are old. I rejoiced the day you were baptized, to see your life unfold. I was there when you were but a child, with a faith to suit you well; In a blaze of light you wandered off to find where demons dwell." "When you heard the wonder of the Word I was there to cheer you on; You were raised to praise the living Lord, to whom you now belong. If you find someone to share your time and you join your hearts as one, I'll be there to make your verses rhyme from dusk 'till rising sun. In the middle ages of your life, not too old, no longer young, I'll be there to guide you through the night, complete what I've begun. When the evening gently closes in, and you shut your weary eyes, I'll be there as I have always been with just one more surprise. I was there to hear your borning cry, I'll be there when you are old. I rejoiced the day you were baptized, to see your life unfold. The following commentary is by Dr. Hawn who is professor of sacred music at Perkins School of Theology. “’Borning Cry’ is one of the most popular songs in recent hymnals. The ballad style of the music lends itself to a feeling of a love song. A love song it is—between God and the singer. Many hymns address God from the human perspective, but few address humanity from God’s point of view. The spirit of “Borning Cry” is one of a God who loved us from the beginning of time and continues to love us throughout the seasons of our life. “The author and composer is John Carl Ylvisaker (b. 1937), a native of Fargo, N.D. He studied at Concordia College in Minnesota, where he received a bachelor’s degree in 1959. Following further studies at Luther Northwestern Seminary (now Luther Seminary) in St. Paul, the University of Minnesota and St. Cloud State College, he worked as a voice teacher from 1971-75 in Buffalo, Minn. From 1973-86, Mr. Ylvisaker served as the music director for the Lutheran Church of the Reformation in St. Louis Park, Minn. “During this time the composer also worked in the communications division of the American Lutheran Church (ALC), the predecessor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Since 1988, Mr. Ylvisaker has been president of New Generation Publishers, a platform from which his compositions have appeared in hundreds of worship resources. “The composition of “Borning Cry” began in 1985, when Mr. Ylvisaker was asked to prepare a series on baptism called “Reflections” for the ALC. His Web site states: “John began work on the song before any footage for the video had been shot. When the media team met to put the music with the video for the first time, it became obvious that the dance-like beat and fast rhythm of the music did not match the gentle scenes being depicted on the screen. The lyrics were on target, but not the music. As he left the studio that day, John received the suggestion to ‘take it home and personalize it.’” “As a result, the composer adapted a completed work into a new form—the result of which was one of the most popular hymns written in the late 20th century. “The ballad style of “Borning Cry” reflects the composer’s interest in folk song. In his book What Song Shall We Sing? (2005), he speaks of “fusion” of traditional folk songs with hymnody. “After noting several well-known hymns that use music from traditional folk sources, he poses the question: “What is it that makes traditional [folk] tunes so appealing? It is their strength and durability, certainly, but ultimately it comes down to one word: flexibility.” “Folk songs can be adapted rhythmically, melodically and harmonically. They can be accompanied on a wide variety of instruments. “The use of folk sources is embedded in Mr. Ylvisaker’s Lutheran heritage of the chorales, many of which had folk influences and provided the basis for the congregational song heritage of the Lutheran Reformation. “In addition to the lyrical melody and text that allows God to sing a love song to humanity, “Borning Cry” gives us a sense of the timelessness of God. The final stanza of the seven-stanza hymn is the same as the first stanza. “While we think of ourselves as finite beings, God re-creates us and gives us new life in the baptismal waters, a spiritual regeneration that lasts for eternity. *© 1985 John Ylvisaker. Used by permission. Day 332 Sunday, February 14, 2021
“HAPPY VALENTINE DAY TO ONE AND ALL” The assigned Scripture readings for this Transfiguration Sunday are: 2 Kings 2:1-12; Psalm 50:1-6; 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 and Mark 9:2-9. (Transfiguration) "After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters-one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.) Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!" Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus. As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead." Mark 9:2-9 The following is from Brannon Deibert “This biblical event appears in each of the Gospel books as an important moment in the life of Jesus and evidence of his divinity. After Jesus performs a series of miracles and foretells His own death, Jesus leads just three of his disciples, Peter, James and John, to a "high mountain." This is where the Transfiguration takes place in which his appearance was radiantly transformed.” “The transfiguration of Jesus Christ was a powerful demonstration of His divine nature and manifestation of His glory, which Jesus possessed prior to coming to earth in the human body.” “It's impossible to appreciate what's going on with the Transfiguration unless you consciously factor in the reality that that remarkable scene takes place just a few days after Jesus had, for the very first time, told his disciples He was going to die. And when he told his disciples, in Matthew 16:21, He was going to die, they were offended and scandalized. Peter, speaking for the group, grabbed Jesus and said, "far be it from you [to die], it can't happen." Jesus was, of course, upset with Peter and told him, "you savor the things of man and not of God." “This (Transfiguration) is about three years into a three and a half year ministry. This is after for months and years those disciples had followed Jesus, they had seen his miracles, they had done miracles in His name. They knew something palpably and objectively about the power and the reality of who Jesus was, and yet, when He began to talk about dying it was staggering to the disciples and they began to wonder if He was really the Messiah. Therefore, for that reason, Jesus took three, Peter, James and John, into a high mountain apart, away from the other apostles.” “Jesus takes Peter, James, and John into a very secluded place and He begins to pray. He asked the disciples to pray and they fall asleep. Then, as they wake up, they see Jesus standing before them with an ineffable (indescribable) manifestation of light and glory which will be His when he reigns as King in days to come. He had laid aside that external glory and for just a few minutes as they watched they see him transfigured (metamorphized is the Greek word). The point is that the caterpillar had become a butterfly, the one who had so carefully veiled his physical glory took it to himself for a brief moment. The whole purpose of that experience was to reinforce the staggering faith of those apostles. That's exactly what Peter gets out of it when he remembers it and says we did not bring you cunningly devised fables, we made known to you the power of Jesus because we were with Him in the holy mountain. We know He is Messiah and will reign as Messiah because we saw His physical glory.” “The point of the Transfiguration was to reinforce the staggering faith of the apostles. As Jesus, Peter, James, and John return from the mountain, they find the other apostles trying to drive a demon out of a man and unable to do so. When they ask why the exorcism won't work, Jesus says it is because of their staggering faith. In the context, what is it that has staggered their faith? It was Jesus' message that He is going to die and that is exactly what the Transfiguration is all about. In such an interesting and compelling way, the Transfiguration illustrates what a careful, sensitive, creative and resourceful teacher Jesus was.” “He had been trying to get His impending death across to the disciples and sees how desperately crippled they are by the announcement. So, He is sensitive enough, some days later, to provide that sort of a condescending object lesson, where God condescends to give him that physical glory just to reinforce their faith.” From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia “In the New Testament, the Transfiguration of Jesus is an event where Jesus is transfigured and becomes radiant in glory upon a mountain. The Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 17:1–8, Mark 9:2–8, Luke 9:28–36) describe it, and the Second Epistle of Peter also refers to it (2 Peter 1:16–18). It has also been hypothesized that the first chapter of the Gospel of John alludes to it (John 1:14).” “The transfiguration is one of the miracles of Jesus in the Gospels. This miracle is unique among others that appear in the canonical gospels, in that the miracle happens to Jesus himself. Thomas Aquinas considered the transfiguration "the greatest miracle" in that it complemented baptism and showed the perfection of life in Heaven. The transfiguration is one of the five major milestones in the gospel narrative of the life of Jesus, the others being baptism, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension.” “Christian theology assigns a great deal of significance to the transfiguration, based on multiple elements of the narrative. In Christian teachings, the Transfiguration is a pivotal moment, and the setting on the mountain is presented as the point where human nature meets God: the meeting place for the temporal and the eternal, with Jesus himself as the connecting point, acting as the bridge between heaven and earth.” “The transfiguration not only supports the identity of Jesus as the Son of God (as in his baptism), but the statement "listen to him", identifies him as the messenger and mouth-piece of God. The significance of this identification is enhanced by the presence of Elijah and Moses, for it indicates to the apostles that Jesus is the voice of God "par excellence", and instead of Moses or Elijah, representing the Law and the prophets, he should be listened to, surpassing the laws of Moses by virtue of his divinity and filial relationship with God. 2 Peter 1:16–18, echoes the same message: at the Transfiguration God assigns to Jesus a special "honor and glory" and it is the turning point at which God exalts Jesus above all other powers in creation, and positions him as ruler and judge.” “The transfiguration also echoes the teaching by Jesus (as in Matthew 22:32) that God is not "the God of the dead, but of the living". Although Moses had died and Elijah had been taken up to heaven centuries before (as in 2 Kings 2:11), they now live in the presence of the Son of God, implying that the same return to life applies to all who face death and have faith.” A Transfiguration Prayer by Laurence Hull Stookey “Holy God, upon the mountain you revealed our Messiah, who by his death and resurrection would fulfill both the law and the prophets. By his transfiguration enlighten our path that we may dare to suffer with him in the service of humanity and so share in the everlasting glory of him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, for ever. Amen” Day 331 | Saturday, 13 February 2021
As we continue our journey through this season, we may be feeling that we have had enough of the snow and the cold. Perhaps you are feeling like this has been a bleak winter. We are in the middle of February and looking forward to March which according to my wife is the beginning of spring. It is not just the season that has made this winter bleak. The COVID-19 virus continues to add to the bleakness (is that a word?) around us. As I write this, we are near if not over 480,000 deaths due to the virus in this country. New strains of the virus are a cause for concern. On the sunny side is the fact that more and more folks are being vaccinated daily. On the county level as of 5:00PM February 11th, the total number of cases is at 7,170 with 1,826 in the Jamestown zip code. 129 souls have died. I have shared the following on a previous occasion. Since we have had snow and cold in recent weeks it seemed appropriate to share this again with you. For the Woodlander's, this is Barb’s favorite hymn. In the Bleak Midwinter The lyrics to The Christmas carol In the Bleak Midwinter were written by the English poet Christina Rossetti. Rossetti wrote the poem in 1872 (or earlier) as a response to the magazine Scribner’s Monthly’s request for a Christmas poem. When Gustav Holst composed a melody to the poem in 1906 a new Christmas carol was born. Another popular version was composed by Harold Darke’s in 1909. “In the bleak mid-winter, frosty wind made moan, Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone; Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow, In the bleak mid-winter, long ago.” “Our God, Heaven cannot hold him, nor earth sustain; Heaven and earth shall flee away when He comes to reign: In the bleak mid-winter a stable place sufficed The Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.” “Enough for Him, whom cherubim worship night and day, A breast-ful of milk and a manger-ful of hay; Enough for Him, whom angels fall down before, The ox and ass and camel which adore.” “Angels and archangels may have gathered there, Cherubim and seraphim thronged the air, But only His mother only, in her maiden bliss, Worshipped the Beloved with a kiss.” “What can I give Him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb, If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part, Yet what I can I give Him: give my heart.” Lord, thank you for the rays of sunshine that come into our lives during those bleak, midwinter days. We always appreciate the warmth of your love. Be with us this day. Lord, hear our prayers. Amen. Day 330 | Friday, 12 February 2021
From the Church Mouse Job 32:7 (NIV) - “I thought age should speak, And increased years should teach wisdom. Psalm 92:14 (NIV) - They will still yield fruit in old age; They shall be full of sap and very green. While thinking about which scripture to include with this edition of the Church Mouse, I was torn between the two above. Since they were both so appropriate, I decided to include both. In the last Mouse, I discussed the “process of becoming”. One person replied to me that this process is exhausting. I couldn’t agree more. It can be exhausting and it often is. However, in my field, not to continue the process of becoming is to stagnate. During my Master’s degree study at St. Bonaventure, I was especially impressed with Abraham Maslow and his theory of motivation called “The Hierarchy of Needs”. This theory puts forward that people are motivated by five basic categories of needs: physiological, safety, love, esteem, and self-actualization. It’s the last category which prevents stagnation. Self-actualization refers to feeling fulfilled or feeling that we are living up to our potential. One unique feature of self-actualization is that it looks different for everyone. For one person, self-actualization might involve helping others; for another person, it might involve achievements in an artistic or creative field. Essentially, self-actualization means feeling that we are doing what we believe we are meant to do. According to Maslow, achieving self-actualization is relatively rare, and his examples of famous self-actualized individuals include Abraham Lincoln, Albert Einstein, and Mother Teresa. We probably won’t devise plans to be in such exalted company, but we can be in the company of others who want to give the process of becoming a shot. For the Mouse, this means creating a chapter of Senior Planet here in Jamestown. Pastor Sue has shown an interest in this plan which would give us a place to meet which is large enough to accommodate our group as it grows. This also provides a place to create outreach work into the community as our members discover the areas of endeavor which revive the passion of youth and the feeling of fulfillment. The purpose of Senior Planet is aging with attitude. Senior planet from AARP harnesses technology to change the way we age. Their courses, programs, and activities help seniors learn new skills, save money, get in shape, and make new friends. Senior Planet is about much more than just the latest gadgets and apps and websites. Those gadgets and apps and websites are just a means to an end: enabling older adults and people of all ages to come together and find ways to learn, work, create, and thrive in today’s digital age. We could learn from their online programs such as Chair Yoga, Twitter, Health Apps, book clubs, Social Security Tips, and Post-Pandemic plans for returning to society and many more. We have the freedom to add our own programs such as registering new voters and studying civics to teach to young people. I will keep you informed as this group is created. My hope is that the group will be comprised of the Woodlands neighbors, Christ First seniors and anyone from the general public. Senior Planet helps with publicity. As I learn more, I will share it with you. There is time to create the group while we wait for the world to return to some form of normalcy. Day 329 | Thursday, 11 February 2021
A Beginning: “Let us declare the greatness of God: who fills the earth with beauty. Causes the sea to shout praise and the birds to sing glory. Great and loving is our God: touching us in our need, Sending friends to listen and embrace, giving food in all seasons with abundant grace. Holy and awesome is our God: painting sunsets that take our breath away, Whispering comfort in the darkest night, filling the silence with a gentle presence. Wondrous and compassionate is our God: guarding us as the apple of God’s eye, Holding us with infinite and tender care, setting our hearts on fire, our minds to new possibilities and our voices to singing.” A Prayer of Invocation: “Our Father, whose full glory is unseen by human eyes: as we settle our hearts now to seek you, help us to seek you in the right place: not within ourselves, but high above us. Help us to seek you in the right way: not each by ourselves, but in unity. Help us to seek you in your Son, in whose name we offer our prayers, to see your glory revealed. Amen” A Prayer of Confession: “Holy God, like a loving father and caring mother, you watch over us and beckon us to follow the right path. But we get stuck: stopped by our fear of trying something new, trapped by our memories of past failures, caught in a web of conflicting choices, halted by the clamor of many voices. We know the distress of worry and the blur of tears. Like staring at an empty page, we feel trapped and hesitant. “Free us, O God, to follow with joyful steps, to hear clearly your directions, to be bold in our loving, courageous in our caring and brave in our speaking. Through our Lord, Jesus. Amen” Mystery “Eternal God, you are a song amid silence, a voice out of quietness, a light out of darkness, a presence in the emptiness, a coming out of the void. You are all of these things and more. You are mystery that encompasses meaning, meaning that penetrates mystery. You are God. We are men and women. We strut and brag. We put down others and bluster out assertions of our achievements - and then something happens: We wonder who we are and if we matter. Night falls. We are alone in the dark and afraid. Someone dies, and we feel powerless. A child is born, and we are touched by the miracle of new life. At such moments we pause ... to listen to a song amid silence, a voice out of stillness, to look for a light out of darkness. We want to feel a presence in the emptiness. We find ourselves suddenly at peace. Oftentimes, the feeling passes quickly, and we are on the move again: success to achieve, money to make. O Lord, you have to catch us on the run most of the time. We are too busy to stop, too distracted to pause for contemplation. But even on the run, we still need you. Maybe, too, we could slow up a bit. Help us Lord, eternal God. Help us, too, to move from the center of all - to living with you as our Center. Amen!” A Blessing: “Grant us and all people the joy that Jesus promised - and when we have experienced it, let us spread it around. Amen.” Day 328 | Wednesday, 10 February 2021 Today I am sharing “Be Not Afraid” which is Karen Peterson’s favorite hymn. I thank Karen for sharing this with us. The words are very powerful and bring us reassurance. Read these words prayerfully. Isaiah 43:2-3 CEB 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; when through the rivers, they won’t sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you won’t be scorched and flame won’t burn you. 3 I am the Lord your God, the holy one of Israel, your savior. I have given Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in your place. Luke 6:20 NRSV 20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: "Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Be Not Afraid Isaiah 43:2-3, Luke 6:20 Bob Dufford You shall cross the barren desert But you shall not die of thirst You shall wander far in safety Though you do not know the way You shall speak your words to foreign men And they will understand You shall see the face of God and live Be not afraid I go before you always Come, follow me and I will give you rest If you pass through raging waters in the sea You shall not drown If you walk amid the burning flames You shall not be harmed If you stand before the power of hell And death is at your side Know that I am with you through it all Be not afraid I go before you always Come, follow me and I will give you rest And blessed are your poor For the kingdom shall be theirs Blest are you that weep and mourn For one day you shall laugh And if wicked men insult and hate you All because of me Blessed, blessed are you Be not afraid I go before you always Come, follow me and I will give you rest  Bob Dufford, SJ
Jesuit Father Bob Dufford is an internationally acclaimed composer of liturgical music. He is best known as a member of the St. Louis Jesuits and the writer of “Be Not Afraid.” As a young Jesuit novice and seminarian in the early 1970s, he began collaborating with fellow novices and seminarians John Foley, Tim Manion, Roc O'Connor and Dan Schutte to write simple, guitar-based songs for liturgy in the St. Louis University chapel. They were responding to the needs of worshipping communities, which, after the Second Vatican Council, lacked liturgical music in the vernacular to enable the full participation of the faithful. Father Dufford is the composer of “Be Not Afraid,” one of the most beloved worship songs of our time, appearing in the hymnals of every Christian denomination. Based on Isaiah 43:2–3 and Luke 6:20, the 1975 composition has comforted troubled hearts for more than forty years. Other well-known songs include “Sing to the Mountains,” “Like a Shepherd,” “Let Heaven Rejoice,” “All the Ends of the Earth,” “Behold the Lamb of God,” “Every Valley” and “Save Us, O Lord.” After his years with the St. Louis Jesuits, he released two solo collections based on the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius: From East and West, which follows the first half of the exercises, and The Reign of God, covering the second half. Formerly a campus minister at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, Father Dufford recently served at the Jesuit Retreat House in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Lord God, we thank you for inspiring people like Father Bob Dufford and giving him the talent to compose meaningful music that reaches in and touches our hearts. Continue to inspire others to use their talents to give us music and words that inspire out souls. Lord, hear our prayers. Today: modern hymn writers. Day 327 | Tuesday, 9 February 2021
Colossians 3:1-4 Your life hidden in Christ CEB 3 Therefore, if you were raised with Christ, look for the things that are above where Christ is sitting at God’s right side. 2 Think about the things above and not things on earth. 3 You died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory. The Message 1 So if you're serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. 2 Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ - that's where the action is. See things from his perspective. 3 Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life - even though invisible to spectators - is with Christ in God. He is your life. 4 When Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this earth, you'll show up, too - the real you, the glorious you. Meanwhile, be content with obscurity, like Christ. I was intrigued by the following description of the squid and the two different eyes. I wonder how we would look if we had similar eyes? I agree with the concept being shared by Kirsten for the most part. We are Christ’s witnesses who live in this world. Our focus is on being witnesses to the Love of God and sharing that love with those around us. I once heard some one say the following that has stuck with me – “We can be so heavenly minded that we are no earthly good.” “Looking Up Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:2” By: Kirsten Holmberg; Our Daily Bread, February 9, 2021 “The cockeyed squid lives in the ocean’s “twilight zone” where sunlight barely filters through the deep waters. The squid’s nickname is a reference to its two extremely different eyes: the left eye develops over time to become considerably larger than the right—almost twice as big. Scientists studying the mollusk have deduced that the squid uses its right eye, the smaller one, to look down into the darker depths. The larger, left eye, gazes upward, toward the sunlight.” “The squid is an unlikely depiction of what it means to live in our present world and also in the future certainty we await as people who “have been raised with Christ” (Colossians 3:1). In Paul’s letter to the Colossians, he insists we ought to “set [our] minds on things above” because our lives are “hidden with Christ in God” (vv. 2–3).” “As earth-dwellers awaiting our lives in heaven, we keep an eye trained on what’s happening around us in our present reality. But just as the squid’s left eye develops over time into one that’s larger and more sensitive to what’s happening overhead, we too can grow in our awareness of the ways God works in the spiritual realm. We may not have yet fully grasped what it means to be alive in Jesus, but as we look “up,” our eyes will begin to see it more and more.” “Reflect & Pray How can you develop your “upward” vision? How can you set your mind on heavenly things? Prayer Loving God, help me to set my mind and heart on those things that are of You!” Today: Let’s pray for the farmers who are growing the food we need. 121 new COVID cases over the weekend bringing the total to 7,081. The death total is now at 125. |
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